Chapter 8. Telescope Control with INDI

KStars provides an interface to configure and control astronomical instruments via the INDI protocol.

The INDI protocol supports a variety of astronomical instruments such as CCD cameras and focusers. Currently, KStars supports the following devices:

Table 8.1. Supported Telescopes

TelescopeDevice driverVersion
LX200 8"-12" ClassicLX200 Classic0.5
LX-90, LX50, ETX90LX200 Autostar0.5
LX200 GPS 8"-16"LX200 GPS0.2
LX200 Classic 16"LX00 16"0.2
Celestron GPSCelestron GPS0.2
Celestron NexStarCelestron GPS0.2
Astro-Physics APLX200 Generic0.1
Astro-Electronic FS-2LX200 Generic0.1
Losmandy GeminiLX200 Generic0.1
Mel Bartels ControllersLX200 Generic0.1

Table 8.2. Supported Focusers

FocuserDevice driverVersion
Meade LX200GPS MicrofocuserLX200 GPS0.1
Meade 1206 Primary Mirror FocuserLX200 Generic0.1
JMI NGF SeriesLX200 Generic0.1
JMI MOTOFOCUSLX200 Generic0.1

Focuser connection

The focusers must be connected to the focuser port in the LX200 GPS, Autostar, or Classic telescopes only.

KStars can control local and remote devices seemlessly via the INDI server/client architecture. The local/server setup is used to control a local device (i.e. a device attached to your machine) and it is also used to establish a server that remote clients can connect to. A remote/client setup is used to connect a client to remote hosts running an INDI server.

Controlling your telescope with KStars requires few simple steps. It is vital to complete each step before moving to the next one.

Telescope Setup

Most telescopes are equipped with RS232 interface for remote control. Connect the RS232 jack in your telescope to your computer's Serial/USB port. Traditionally, the RS232 connects to the serial port of your computer, but since many new laptops abandoned the serial port in favor of USB/FireWire ports, you might need to obtain a Serial to USB adapter to use with new laptops.

After connecting your telescope to the Serial/USB port, turn your telescope on. It is highly recommended that you download and install the latest firmware for your telescope controller.

The telescope needs to be aligned before it can be used properly. Align your telescope (one or two stars alignment) as illustrated in your telescope manual.